Trustees pass budget increase, but not without hesitation by some

The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees adopted a budget on Monday with a higher mill levy than last year, but less than what it had published.

The board looked at a $2,961,050 budget that contained a 5.91 mill levy increase. Following a public hearing, Trustee John Kerr made a motion to keep the budget at last year's level, which was $2.419 million. The motion died for lack of a second.

After having discussion, Kerr ran the same motion up the mast and this time got a second by Trustee Mark McCoy.

McCoy told the board that many citizens asked him not to be in favor of a mill levy increase.

"I'm in much angst about these things," he said, then later stated, "I don't know how we can move forward without an increase."

But after further discussion, McCoy, along with the other trustees, cast a no vote, leaving Kerr as the only one in favor of keeping the budget the same.

The final motion, to adopt a $2,681,167 budget with a 4-mill levy increase, was made by Trustee John Bartlesmeyer and seconded by Trustee Jim Sather. His motion passed 5-1, with Kerr casting the no vote.

Tatro said on Tuesday he believes the school has been a good steward of the money entrusted to them.

"Simply put, the operational costs are pushing beyond revenues," Tatro said.

Looking at the revised budget, he said, "We will have to fund the mandatory program costs and mandatory increase in insurance costs. That will spell out where the money will go to...that will basically get us to the end of the revenue."

Tatro said he was pleased that the public comments were civil and respectful.

All together, eight people spoke to the board at the budget hearing.

Three college students spoke about the importance of the college in their lives.

Jacy Ermel, a sophomore at FSCC, said the decision to attend the community college was "a great stepping stone for me."

Eli Weng, also a sophomore at the college, said he has had many opportunities to improve his skills, and additionally with the Christians on Campus group, his college experience has helped him "find his way."

Shane Doherty, a non-traditional student at FSCC, said he wants to prepare himself for an "economic storm," and said he looks forward to learning at the college.

"It looks like money's been well spent to me," he said.

Five constituents, with statements concerning how the FSCC dollars are being spent, also spoke.

David Conradt said he noticed from the budget summary that in the prior year, the college didn't spend all the money they had left.

"Therefore in my view, the budget doesn't need to be increased," Conradt said. "I'd like to see a better plan."

William Dubey said he had spoken with City Manager Dave Martin and knows the college needs an increase in money.

"But we don't have it. There ain't no money, honey," Dubey said.

Gerald Kerr, who also spoke to the board last year at their annual budget hearing, again spoke about the local economy of the community.

"Why should public service employees earn so much more than the private sector? When property taxes increase, conditions worsen by the day," he said.

Deborah Hall, told the board that "We are expected to live within our means, that's all we are asking you to do."

Joe Barr told the board it appears that there has been poor planning as far as preventative maintenance, and that the maintenance program needs to be looked at.

Additionally, he said "I'm retired and on a fixed income. We need to better manage the money we have."

In other business, the board:

*Approved the following personnel actions:

Additions - Craig Corpstein, admissions representative, effective Aug. 26; Callie Griffith, assistant rodeo coach, effective Aug. 8; Genna Stambaugh, assistant softball coach, effective Aug. 15; Randy Perez, classroom assistant with KJCC/EWT Grant, effective Aug. 12.

Separations -Janet Beene, admissions representative, effective Aug. 20; Jeff Sawyer, assistant rodeo coach, effective Aug. 2.

Transfers - Jacob Reichard, IT technician to network specialist, effective Aug. 5.

*Approved the total projected cost of volleyball officials payments: officials-$3,560; official assignor's fee-$100; statistician-$260; certified line judges-$200; all are from the general athletics funds for a total of $4,120.

The board approved the total projected cost of football officials payments: seven referees-$5,640; one clock person-$250; three chain gang-$375; four ball boys-$300; security-$375; clip person-$75; announcer -$250; eight ticket takers -$1,000. All funds are taken from the general athletic funds, except announcer and ticket takers which were from the gate receipts funds. "Some fees are set by the conference," Tatro said.

* Heard an overview of the Alumni and Friends organization, by president, LaShawn Miller.

* Heard from Tatro that in-service with faculty starts today and continues this week, with classes starting on August 19. Tatro noted that since January, there have been about 25 new employees added to the college. Trustee John Bartlesmeyer asked Tatro to consider implementing a system where people actually doing the work can give recommendations to help keep costs down.

* Approved the Kansas Department of Education Migrant Education Project State Level Activities application. Karla Armstrong, FSCC Dean of Finance and Operations, told the board that this project "brings over $69,000 back to the college."

* Entered into a 30 minute executive session to discuss the possible acquisition of real estate, with no action taken following the session.